OF SOUKHUAN AND LAOS Elena Gregoria Chai Chin Fern Faculty ...

people. Thus, soukhuan generally, and other ‘sub-types’ of the khuan ceremonies such
as Wankhuan and Somkhuan play a significant role in Lao society.
Nowadays, soukhuan has been identified with the Lao people. When the Lao
government adopted an open door policy in the late 1980’s, financial aid began to
flow in, providing much needed assistance to this undeveloped South East Asian
country. With the anticipated economic boom, the richer and more developed
neighbouring countries entered the Laos market to tap its economic resources. More
and more people are flocking into Laos. The tourism industry has been enjoying a
huge influx of tourists, although Laos has often been labeled as the forgotten country
in Asia. It was in such a context that the communist government realized that there is
a need for a distinctive Lao identity.
Although Theravada Buddhism is widely practiced in Laos, its neighbour Thailand,
has a stronger identity associated with Buddhism which enjoys royal patronage. In
Thailand, the king is the protector of the religion. Unfortunately, the last Lao king
was said to have died in the re-education camp. In Laos, many homes display the
portrait of the Thai royal couple alongside their very own President and Prime
Minister. This indicates the high esteem that the Lao people have for the Thai
monarch.
The Laos government is trying to instill a sense of Laoness among its people through
the revival of traditional customs. The belief in khuan pre-dated Buddhism and is
therefore useful for such purposes. Even under the great suppression of the communist
government, Lao peasants continue to uphold the soukhuan ceremony. What was once
labeled as a superstitious belief by the communist government has now found a
commendable place in official occasions, such as welcoming foreign ambassadors and
bidding farewell to foreign expatriates. Anyone can participate in the ceremony as it
is most commonly explained as a ceremony which is a mixture of animistic,
Brahmanistic and Buddhist elements. As it can be participated by people of other
religious faith, it serves as a good unifying. Thus, an aged old tradition has been
resurrected for a new purpose in shaping a Lao national identity.
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